The Bishop of Ripon, Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, whose patch includes Craven and the dales, was an enthusiastic visitor to the first day of the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate. Dr Helen-Ann tweeted pictures of herself with the Rev Kate Bottley (pictured) well known to viewers of television’s Gogglebox, on a picnic blanket, eating scones, and posing the question - jam or cream first. While at the show, Dr Helen-Ann also caught up with farmers, Jim and Mary Caygill, whose farm in Rylstone she visited on the day her announcement as Bishop of Ripon was made.

SPEED walking is not quite the thing it was a hundred years ago. In August, 1918, the Craven Herald received a letter from the ‘well known pedestrian’ Mr Ross. Mr Ross was throwing down the gauntlet for any ‘local man’ who was able to beat the then record for walking from Skipton to Hellifield, and then back again to Skipton. It is unclear what route it actually was, whether it was along roads, or across fields, but the record for the return walk was then three hours, 23 minutes, and 20 seconds. Mr Ross was offering a medal to whoever could beat the record, and suggested the Herald find a timekeeper and keep a tally of those wishing to take part. Nowadays, the distance between Skipton and Hellifield, if one takes the A65, is put at 9.7 miles. Going by train will take 13 minutes, by car, 14 minutes, and by bus, 24 minutes. Perhaps someone would like to take on the challenge now, and see how quickly they can do it - and by walking too, not running.

AS Craven experiences some of the hottest weather for decades, it has been interesting to see how the traders at Skipton Market have adapted to the heat. One of the busiest stalls recently has been a sun hat stall (pictured) which appears to have sprung up out of nowhere. Another very busy stall has been one selling sunglasses. We can only hope the good weather will remain for a while at least, and that the sunhats and shades are not replaced with umbrellas.

ALWAYS busy is Stanforth’s pie shop at Mill Bridge, Skipton (pictured) which was recently given a boost by actor Larry Lamb, who appeared on television not so long ago with son, George, on Britain by Bike with Larry and George Lamb.

THE temporary closure of the A59 at Kex Gill over five weeks has been felt by those who use Skipton Magistrates Court. The court officials all come over from Harrogate, and some of the advocates also use the A59 to get to the court, from even further afield, at times having to dash from one case, to another in Northallerton. Although the court sits just every other week, the temporary closure has put up to an hour on their journeys, with one solicitor who had not known about the closure, finding himself getting to Northallerton 40 minutes late for a case, and having to explain why to the magistrates bench. Interestingly, there was a similar problem, 100 years ago, in 1918, when issues with the trains between Barnoldswick and Skipton, played havoc with the police court proceedings in Skipton. At the time, all courts were held in Skipton Town Hall, from 10am. But after trains from Barnoldswick and Earby were cancelled, the court was forced to hold extra sittings for cases from West Craven. It became common for magistrates from the two areas to take their seats later than expected, up to 15 minutes, while police officers were also late to turn up at court. One defendant got mixed up with the train times, and set off to walk to Skipton from Earby, arriving much later than he was supposed to. One can only hope the magistrates did not put out a warrant for the unfortunate chaps arrest.

A TEAM of cuddly bears to help comfort upset children joined North Yorkshire Police at last week’s Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate, where the force’s rural taskforce was hosting a stand. Officers were there, along with the ever popular police tractor, ‘Bobby’, and also to encourage people to join as special constables. The collection of trauma teddies have been donated to the force by Killinghall Women’s Institute. Its members set up a knitting group to knit jumpers for the Tour de France when it came to Harrogate, before learning about the ‘Trauma Teddy’ concept, and decided to start making them. After their debut at the show, the teddies will be taken out on patrol by the rural taskforce and other officers, to provide comfort to children affected by upsetting and traumatic events, and help build up relationships with the officers who have come to help them. PC McPeake , from the rural taskforce, said: “While we are hoping we won’t need the teddies too often, officers will now have them ready to help any children who find themselves in an upsetting situation.”

THERE was a bit of confusion amongst organisers of Cowling Gala 50 years ago, in 1968. It had been thought that 1968 was the 100th anniversary of the gala and procession, but unfortunately, no records could be found, to prove it, one way or another. Then chairman, Mr J F McIver, said some claimed a gala of some sort had taken place in Cowling for some 600 years. Manchester United and England footballer, Nobby Stiles, was a guest at the gala, and turned up in a vintage car, and in fancy dress, according to the Herald.

IT was good news for ramblers and bird watchers 50 years ago, in 1968, when agreement was reached by the then West Riding County Council and the Trustees of the Chatsworth Settlement for gaining right of access to the public for further areas of Barden Moor and Barden Fell. It had been restricted to 2,349 acres, and was increased to 13,821. The agreement included provision for the closing on certain days for grouse shooting. No dogs were to be allowed, and no one was allowed to turn up with a gun, without permission.